Protests began in several cities, including Jakarta, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta. Students and youth groups gathered to demand government accountability, particularly regarding perceived corruption and inequality in lawmaking.

Demonstrations were largely peaceful. Reports indicate that early confrontations arose when police blocked protest routes and attempted to disperse crowds using tear gas and water cannons.

Government/official responses:

President Prabowo Subianto publicly addressed the nation after the protests escalated, expressing condolences for Affan Kurniawan’s death (an online motorcycle taxi driver reportedly killed during confrontations) and pledging support for the family. He condemned “excessive” police actions while urging calm, also warning vaguely about “elements that want to cause unrest.”

National police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo apologized to the victim’s family and the broader motorcycle taxi driver community.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited hospitals to meet injured protesters, offering support.

Several governors, including Jakarta’s Pramono Anung and Yogyakarta’s Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, appealed for restraint and dialogue.

Context:

Protests aren’t new. Students have been marching intermittently for months under Prabowo (#Indonesiagelap) and in earlier years under Jokowi (#Reformasidikorupsi). Many Indonesians view parliament as corrupt, laws as favoring elites, and the government as largely ignoring public demands. The 25 August demonstrations should be understood as part of this ongoing wave of civic action.